I left Europe to win trophies at Mamelodi Sundowns – Tashreeq Matthews

Sundowns paid around R30-million to lure the attacker from IK Sirius in January last year with the player rejecting interest elsewhere abroad in favour of returning to his home country.

With the Tshwane giants having won the league title six months after Matthews signed and retaining the championship this season, the player could be part of yet another milestone on the continent.

Matthews feels as though he is vindicated.

"Yeah, I mean coming back was a difficult decision but at the end of the day coming back to the best team in South Africa and winning trophies and just now that we are in the CAF final as well, the Champions League final. It says a lot and winning trophies. In Europe I didn't win any trophies beside individual awards but now I'm winning trophies together with the team," Matthews said.

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The 24-year-old initially took time to adjust to the pace of the league and physicality but says he has found a way to make his physique work for him in the PSL and on the continent.

"It's not just me, there's a lot of footballers that have my structure. It depends on how you use your body, of course sometimes it comes to a disadvantage sometimes but I mean if you are in the possession of the ball, you have an advantage at the end of the day because if you just know how to use your body, you have all the advantage because you are in possession of the ball as well," he added.

Sundowns host Egyptian outfit Pyramids in the first leg of the final of the Champions League at Loftus Stadium on Saturday.

Matthews also spoke about the build up to that fixture.

"The finals, it's a different game, it can go anyway at the end of the day. If it's your turn to win, you will win but at the end of the day it also depends on what happens on the day and I think as Sundowns you are to win every game, every final.

“It doesn't matter if it's a friendly as well, you want to win every time and sometimes, it doesn't go your way."